Removal of arsenic and methylene blue from water by granular activated carbon media impregnated with zirconium dioxide nanoparticles

► The morphology, content and distribution of ZrO2 nanoparticles inside the pores of GAC are affected by the type of GAC. ► Lignite ZrO2-GAC exhibited Zr content of 12%, while bituminous based ZrO2-GAC exhibited Zr content of 9.5%. ► The max. adsorption capacities under equilibrium conditions in 5 mM NaHCO3 buffered water matrix were ∼8.6 As/g Zr and ∼12.2 mg As/g Zr at pH = 7.6. ► The max. adsorption capacities under equilibrium conditions in NSF 53 Challenge water matrix while ∼1.5 mg As/g Zr and ∼3.2 mg As/g Zr at pH = 7.6. ► Introduction of nanoparticles did not impact the MB adsorption capacity of the lignite ZrO2-GAC, while the one of bituminous ZrO2-GAC decreased.